Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING CYPRUS PATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
you can print this page and share it with others

1. The island of Cyprus is in the far eastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. View an outline of a Cypriot country map and its Capital. Identify Cyprus's flag. The Capital of Cyprus is Nicosia The Flag of Cyprus depicts a gold outline of the island, and green olive branches below it.

2. Both Greek and Turkish are recognized as the official languages in Cyprus. Greek however has become more popularly spoken throughout most of the country, and Turkish is spoken only in the North. Both of these languages are spoken in much different dialects than how they are spoken in Greece and Turkey. Learn some words or slang that is spoken in Cyprus.

3. Most celebrations reflect religious focus in both the north and the south of Cyprus. In the north, the Turkish celebrate many festivals that echo the Turkish culture from the mainland. In the south, festivals and celebrations reflect Greek Orthodox celebrations. In the summer, the Republic of Cyprus holds many festivals. For example, in May, almost every town holds a flower festival. There are colorful processions throughout the streets and competitions for the best flower arrangements. Learn about festivals in Cyprus, go to a festival, participate in one, OR complete a craft that represents a festival.

4. Food and drink is an essential part of every social event on the island of Cyprus. Food in Cyprus reflects traditions of Greece and Turkey. The food has an emphasis on being hearty, home-cooked meals, where lamb and chicken are the most popular types of meats, and seafood is almost always included. The style of dining called, Meze, meaning "mixture", is a popular way of including a little bit of everything that is being served that day. A typical meze meal looks like this: fish or kebabs, ham, seafood, Greek salad, bread and other vegetables. Try a recipe, food, or drink from Cyprus.

5. Traditional dance and song is considered to be one of the most popular art forms in Cyprus today. Traditional dances are preformed at social gatherings such as weddings. Traditionally, men dance with men and women dance with women. Men's dances are very lively and women's dances are more delicate and restrained. An example of a popular dance is the kartchilamas. Song and traditional folk music normally accompanies these dances. The shepherds flute, violin, long necked flute, oboe, drums and finger cymbals are all traditional instruments used. Watch a dance OR listen to music OR sing a song OR learn more information about a dance from Cyprus and try your own moves.

6. Legends and stories of Cyprus reflect the many cultural backgrounds in Cyprus today. Folk Tales and nature poetry make up many of Cyprus's early literature. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7. All throughout Cyprus's history, it has been surrounded by some of histories most powerful civilizations including: The Greeks, Persians, Romans, Arabs, and Turks. All of these civilizations have left their marks on Cyprus's history, culture, and ethnic diversity. Learn a couple facts about one of these ancient civilizations OR make a craft reflecting the civilization.

8. The island of Cyprus is very diverse in its land, flora, and wildlife. The land is full of mountains, and because it is an island, it is surrounded by water, which makes it also very tropical in some areas. Cyprus is also one of the richest places to see flowers. There are 110 species of flowers that can be found in Cyprus such as the many varieties of carnations (Silene, Petrorhagia, Dianthus, and Arenaria). There is also a wide variety of wildlife in Cyprus. There are 160 bird species on the island! Also, the sea turtle is an animal that inhabits the island. Choose [3] animals OR plants from Cyprus to learn more about. Also, Locate the Mediterranean Sea.

9. Handicrafts in Cyprus include weaving and lacework for women, and copper work, gourd carving, and woodwork for the men. Lace embroidery is very popular and is world famous. The small town of Lefkara is known for it's delicate lacework. The town produces pillowcases, sheets, linens, towels, and furniture coverings. Pottery and ceramics are other crafts that are popular in Cyprus. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR jewelry OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR a traditional craft from Cyprus.

10. Today, traditional dress is only worn for festive occasions. For women, the white, long sleeved dress called the karpasitiko is worn. A tight fitting coat that is either plain or embroidered is worn over top the dress. In the front, the coat is low cut to reveal the dress. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Cypriot themed costume, create an accessory, complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the Internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of games played by children in Cyrus. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Cyprus OR play a water game OR play a game in our manual.